Our Story
Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, Waypoint Ministry was founded in 2005 to meet a great need both here in our community and beyond.
Our goal has been to utilize an approach to regeneration that takes into account the clinical side of healing from chemical addiction and integrate it into a Christian-filled environment that offers deeper meaning.
What’s so special about Waypoint?
Too many recovery programs miss the mark with a purely clinical approach or price tag that excludes those who need their help the most. And although we understand how expensive it is to operate any residential space like ours, we also believe there should be another option.
We are licensed with the State of Georgia and are THOR-certified, which means we have spent time and energy investing in creating a safe environment that offers the help men need.
Our unique approach combines the tangible skills every man in recovery needs, all within a Christian-based residential environment that provides deeper meaning that leads to lasting change.
We offer affordable program fees, payment plans, and in some cases scholarships to eligible men and their families who desperately want help, but simply cannot afford it. If a man is truly in need, we will not let money be the sole reason he doesn’t receive the help he needs.
Over the course of twelve months, every man at Waypoint walks through a regenerative process that covers everything from inner healing to biblical teaching that offers practical steps to break addiction. Ultimately, success looks like each graduate reintegrating into his community alongside his family and loved ones.
How do we do it all and not charge enormous rates? Our friends and partners. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their generosity makes everything we do possible.
Recognized by GuideStar with the Gold Seal of Transparency, we take your confidence in our work seriously. We are on a mission to help men find freedom and are grateful for the role you play in it.
We are grateful for the men who trust us to help them beat addiction and for the family of partners who help make it all possible.
Here’s how to get help.
Chris Gillhouse
Executive Director
Chris started off as a volunteer here at Waypoint. Later, he joined the board, and then ultimately felt the Lord nudging him in 2012 to leave the world of commercial construction to support Waypoint Ministry full-time as Executive Director. Along with his wife Robin, who’s affectionately called the “Waypoint Mom”, Chris spends his time carrying out the vision of our ministry, planning for the future, and investing in the lives of each and every man who comes to us for help. Under his leadership, our organization continues to grow as we serve more men and families in need of regenerative care from life-controlling habits. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling / Psychology.
Certifications: CAC II (Certified Addiction Counselor)
Favorite Verse: “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.” – Romans 3:22-24
Michael Tucker
Program Director
Michael Tucker grew up in Cumming, Georgia, and like many, faced the challenges of addiction in his early twenties. His life began to spiral until he found hope and healing through the community at Waypoint Ministry. A graduate of the program, Michael brings a deeply personal understanding to the men in our care—his journey through recovery allows him to connect in a unique and impactful way.
After completing twenty-four months stay, Michael joined the Waypoint Ministry staff with a heart to serve and a mission to help others find the same freedom he’s experienced. He went on to earn an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Southwest Bible College, equipping him with both spiritual and academic tools to support those in recovery. He is currently furthering his education at Toccoa Falls College, pursuing a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.
Michael is married to his wife Sierra, and together they are raising two beautiful children, Isaac and Savanna. Michael and Sierra are passionate about helping families walk through healing and restoration.
In his free time, Michael enjoys being outdoors and finds peace in nature. His journey reflects a powerful testimony of hope, lasting freedom, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Certifications: CAC II – Certified Addiction Counselor Level II, Adaptative De-escalation Alternatives Instructor
Favorite Verse: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”- Ephesians 2:20-22
Mike Arehart
Industry Director
Mike Arehart was born in Ventura, California. He battled drug addiction for over two decades. He originally entered Waypoint in 2018 with the sole purpose to escape from society for a year. His mind was set on exploring Christianity while still holding onto Worldly things. Mike returned to Waypoint for a second time in 2020 to find a true relationship with Christ. Mike decided it was time to surrender completely to God. Mike is valuable to the Waypoint team and works at the thrift store as the Sales Floor Manager. He really enjoys serving the surrounding community by sharing his personal testimony with the many customers that come through our thrift store.
Mike has an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College. He is also working on attaining his credentials to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Mike is also focusing on restoring his relationship with his two kids.
Certifications: CCIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” – Ruth 1:16-17
Matthew Scott
Counseling Coordinator
Originally from Arkansas, Matt relocated to Georgia with his family at a young age. Growing up, his life was centered around family, church, and sports. Though he excelled in school and activities, Matt also began struggling with alcohol early in life, a challenge that would impact his adulthood. After getting married, he built a diverse career in marketing and sales, achieving success but also experiencing significant setbacks due to his dependence on alcohol.
Matt first sought help at Waypoint Ministry when he reached a difficult period in his life. Although he completed a 12-month recovery program and returned to work, he found himself falling back into old patterns. Years later, after facing personal hardships including a divorce, Matt made the decision to return to Waypoint Ministry for a second time. It was during this period of deep reflection and support that he truly committed himself to his faith, embracing a new way of living centered on his relationship with God.
Now serving as Counseling Coordinator at Waypoint, Matt is passionate about supporting others on their path to recovery. He finds fulfillment in encouraging the men at Waypoint to rely on faith and community, offering guidance drawn from his own experiences and the hope that transformation is possible.
Certifications: CCIT – Counselor in Training.
Favorite Verse: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Eric Downs
Counselor
Eric Downs was born in Minnesota. After losing his father to lung cancer at the age of 10, he moved to Georgia with his mother. Eric found acceptance through his athleticism and eventually began experimenting with alcohol and marijuana in high school. His choices and addictive lifestyle led him into dropping out of college. Once dropped out of college, his addiction began to spiral out of control and progressed. Eric learned about Waypoint through his cousin. He found the meaning of a true relationship with Jesus while submitting to God’s will. Jesus is reconciling all the broken relationships within his family. Eric answered the call to commit to the Servant Leader Program and within twelve months he answered a call to become the Assistant Thrift Store Manager at Waypoint. Eric enjoys the meaningful relationships with the men and along with others in the community. Eric takes every opportunity to share his testimony and express his worship. Eric graduated from Southwest Bible College with an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies. Eric is currently on the worship team at The Torch in Dahlonega and desires to become a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Certifications: CCIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Tyler Stewart
Maintenance Manager
Tyler grew up in Pickens, Georgia. He had a childhood of being dragged to church every Sunday morning. His father was deep in addiction and his mother was in church every week. Tyler desired a close relationship with his father. He became angry and rebellious in school and church. Tyler started drinking alcohol at age 15 and found acceptance in his peers and his father. Over the next couple of years, Tyler’s life spiraled out of control. Tyler would play the drums at church on Sundays and the next day use alcohol and other drugs with his father. Tyler was arrested in February 2022. He believes the events that day saved his life. Tyler found his salvation in Jesus and his heart began to change. The bondage of anger and rebellion broke off. Tyler answered God’s calling to commit to the Servant Leader program and within twelve months he answered the calling to become staff. Tyler graduated from Southwest Bible College with an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies. He also plays drums for Freedom Tabernacle and is exploring volunteer opportunities at The Torch in Dahlonega. Tyler enjoys teaching others the true meaning of a personal relationship with Jesus through his testimony and worship.
Certifications: CCIT – Counselor in Training.
Favorite Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Thomas Wilson
Intake Coordinator
Thomas started a life of drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of rejection. Thomas lost everything he had worked so hard to gain. He was hopeless and shameful due to being stuck in a destructive cycle of addiction. Making the decision to enter Waypoint was challenging and very difficult to accept. Thomas spent most of his life avoiding relationships with God, self, and others. Thomas shares the challenges in overcoming the deepest and darkest roots from his past. He is learning new ways to be healed through forgiveness and loving others. Thomas’ greatest challenge was to forgive himself. Now, Thomas finds peace and freedom in serving others. He has a new defined purpose with a solid foundation built with Christ. Thomas is grateful for the opportunities to share his joy and testimony.
Certifications: CCIT – Certified Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” – Romans 8:1
Chapman Howell
Community Outreach/Intake
Chapman grew up in South Carolina. He was raised in a split family home, where he quickly learned to chase love and acceptance through athletic performance. Success in sports became his identity—but behind the achievements was a young man struggling to feel enough. Over time, that pursuit led Chapman down a destructive path marked by prison time, multiple rehabs, and broken relationships. His behavior created deep wounds within himself and his family, and his life became defined by chaos and shame.
It was in the middle of that darkness—alone in a jail cell—that Chapman cried out to Jesus for the first time with a desperate and broken heart. That cry became the turning point. God answered, and soon after, Chapman was led to Waypoint Ministry, a place where he would come to truly encounter the love, grace, and truth of Christ.
At Waypoint, Chapman began to understand who he wasn’t—so he could finally become who Christ says he is. No longer bound by performance or past mistakes, he found freedom, identity, and purpose through the grace of God.
Today, Chapman is sincerely grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside other men who are facing similar battles—not from a place of perfection, but through the honesty of his imperfections. By sharing the raw, redemptive work of Christ in his own life, he desires to point others to the same transforming grace that continues to reshape his heart each day.
Outside of Waypoint, Chapman enjoys cheering on the Clemson Tigers with his family, playing disc golf, fishing, and anything that gets him near the water. Where sports were once an unhealthy pursuit for identity, he now finds joy in them as a way to connect with others and enjoy the simple, grace-filled moments of life.
Favorite Verse: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!” – Romans 12:21
Russell Harben
Marketing/Outreach
Russell Harben was born in Roswell, Georgia. He was raised in a Christian home but struggled to figure out what it truly meant to have a relationship with Jesus. Instead, he found his identity in family and athletics. Between 2008 and 2009 this identity dissolved when his father passed away and an on-field injury ended his collegiate baseball career. With no foundation in Christ he turned to a chaotic and unhealthy lifestyle of addiction – an attempt to mask painful wounds and fill spiritual and emotional voids in his heart. These choices resulted in damaged relationships with family and friends, missed opportunities – both personally and professionally, and the misery of continuing to fail at finding value and purpose in life. In 2023 he entered Waypoint and was given the time, space, and grace to begin the life changing process of coming to intimately know Jesus Christ. Russell began to see during this time that God’s grace and love is more than capable of restoring anyone, no matter how broken, to a place of peace and purpose. He walks in confidence and hope today knowing that fulfillment and joy don’t come from trying to run away from bad habits, they come from running towards Christ.
In 2024 he began his second year at Waypoint as a volunteer in the Servant Leader Training (SLT) program. This proved to be an invaluable time in establishing a healthy foundation for a successful recovery.
Today he serves on staff at Waypoint in Marketing and Outreach. He has a bachelors degree in Communications and Business, a Certificate of Ministry through Southwest Bible College, and volunteers at The Torch on the worship team.
Certifications: Web Development and Programming – Georgia Tech
Favorite Verse: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
Kellen Murphy
Business Development
Kellen’s journey with Waypoint began in 2023 when he entered the Men’s Addiction Regeneration Program. After graduating in 2024, he served as a Servant Leader in Training before joining the staff full-time. Today, he helps expand the ministry’s reach through strategic planning, relationship building, and operational support. His passion for restoration is rooted in his own experience of God’s redemptive grace.
Before Waypoint, Kellen built a career in business development and project management across biotechnology, consumer products, and hospitality. He held leadership roles in early-stage ventures, securing funding, managing international partnerships, and overseeing multimillion-dollar operations. During the pandemic, a series of crises led him into deepening isolation and addiction, prompting a confrontation with identity struggles and the pursuit of healing.
Adopted at birth in Utah and primarily raised in Georgia, Kellen’s search for identity and acceptance was shaped by the unknowns surrounding his biological family and the challenge of reconciling differing geographic, cultural, and religious environments. Waypoint provided the guidance and space to explore the emotional complexities that fueled self-destructive patterns, helping him discover clarity, spiritual connection, and renewed purpose.
Kellen is a proud father of two daughters and enjoys golf, mountain recreation, and cultural travel. He holds a BS in Economics from Florida State University and is pursuing his MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Favorite Verse: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Board of Directors
Mike Sims
Chairman
Mike has a Master of Business Administration from Samford University. He currently serves on the board of Crossroads Outreach, is the past Board Chair for Iron and Fire Ministry, a member of the Finance Committee of the Atlanta Athletic Club, and the past Admissions Chair for Perimeter Christian School. Mike and his family reside in Johns Creek, Georgia and are active members of Perimeter Church.
Jason Blain
Board Member
Johns Creek, GA
As vice president of strategic alliances for Herschend Family Entertainment, Jason Blain forges mutually profitable relationships with third-party companies that share HFE family values – expanding their market presence and driving attendance to the parks.
Before joining Herschend, Jason co-founded Entertainment Properties, an Orlando-based consulting and development firm for leisure, recreation, and theme park attractions. Through this venture, he worked with clients to develop creative projects that were both economically and operationally sound investments.
Jason also served as vice president at Management Resources, one of the nation’s largest management consulting firms for the leisure industry. Prior, he worked with Walt Disney Company’s attractions division.
Jason earned his Master of Business Management/Finance from Wake Forest University, and his bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University. He and his wife, Mary Katherine, live in Johns Creek, Georgia and are highly active in their church and the lives of their four sons.
